Montgomery student with autism pays it forward

Zach Carlisle doesn't talk much, but he was always able to open up to his therapy dog Delilah. Zach has autism and social anxiety. His world was rocked when Delilah went missing last year. Watch their sweet reunion.

April is Autism Awareness Month

Lucas Weiner, an 11-year-old student at Rock Brook School in Montgomery, hugs his service dog and best buddy, Rafael. Lucas is raising funds so other children with autism can benefit from having a service dog like he does.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Rock Brook School)

Story Highlights

A student at the Rock Brook School, Lucas, 11, was having a difficult time until the arrival of Rafael.

On the autism spectrum, Lucas' desire to give back comes from his experience with Rafael.

Recently, he started a fundraiser to help children with autism receive their own service dogs.

MONTGOMERY – Lucas Weiner's life changed two years ago when a specially skilled and furry friend came into his world. An 11-year-old student at the Rock Brook School in the Skillman section of the township, Lucas was having a difficult time before teaming up with Rafael. On the autism spectrum, Lucas' desire to give back comes from his own incredible experience with having a service dog.

Lucas' mother Michelle Weiner said her family, which lives in Marlboro, received their most precious gift, Rafael, an autism service dog, two years ago. With the arrival of Rafael, Lucas’ whole world changed and he is now determined to help raise money to help change the lives of other children with autism. Recently, he, with the help of his family, started a fundraiser to help children with autism receive their own service dogs.

Prior to Rafael’s arrival, Lucas was going through a very rough time, his mother said. His anxiety was out of control, he wasn’t sleeping or eating and even leaving the house was a challenge. When the family did manage to get Lucas out of the house, he would become easily distracted and wander off. They were constantly worried that he would get lost, or worse, taken.

During this time, Lucas’ parents reached out to Heeling Autism, a program through Guiding Eyes for the Blind, that matches children in need with service dogs.

“In September of 2014, our miracle, Rafael, arrived,” Weiner said. “Rafael immediately became Lucas' best friend. He would sleep with him, come on outings and trips with him and something amazing happened. Slowly but surely, Lucas’ anxiety melted away. He began to sleep again and eat again and we watched as a self-confident, happy child emerged. Rafael is always by Lucas' side. We can now go out as a family with confidence knowing Lucas won't wander away.”

After bonding with Rafael, Lucas began asking his parents to help him raise money so other children can receive the same gift he did. Last summer, Lucas set up a stand and sold water. He was so proud of the $4 he raised and happily handed it off.

Lucas’ desire to help other children continued, so in February, his parents took their son's wishes to the next level. They created a GoFundMe account. Each service dog costs roughly $50,000, but the dogs are given to the children and their families for free. Guiding Eyes does not receive government funding. They depend on donations to continue be able to provide this life-changing service.

“Service animals can offer many therapeutic benefits for children with special needs,” said Mary Caterson, executive director of Rock Brook School. “I have seen first-hand the positive effects animals have had on special needs kids. Lucas has really blossomed since Rafael has come into his life.”

Lucas attends Rock Brook School, who have witnessed the change in him since Rafael's arrival. Since 1974, Rock Brook School has provided education and assistance and support for children with special needs, their families and professionals. Rock Brook’s services include a full academic program, intensive speech and language therapy and other specialized programs for students ages 3 to 21.

No stangers to the benefits of animal therapy, Rock Brook School has partnered with SAVE, a local animal shelter, on its Humane Education Program for nine years. Each week, a SAVE volunteer comes in to work with two classes. The volunteer brings different animals from the shelter for students to see, pet and feel comfortable around.

About three years ago, a tiny and lost-looking Cheewinnie (Chihuahua/Dachshund) named Roxy came to visit. The staff and students at Rock Brook School couldn’t bear the thought of her being in a shelter, so Caterson applied to adopt Roxy, who became the school mascot. Roxy spends two to three days a week at the school. Students can work to earn visits with Roxy as part of their individual behavioral motivation program.

“Many special-education and nursing-home programs use dogs or cats as a comfort or for companionship," Caterson said. "For kids with special needs, it facilitates a relationship that is a positive experience for them. Roxy is not a certified therapy dog. Parents sign off on a permission slip for their children to visit with her, but the benefits she provides is nonetheless valuable.”

With Rafael by his side, Lucas continues to make great strides.

“To witness the transformation in our son since the arrival of Rafael is beyond words,” Weiner said. “Nothing would make Lucas happier than to share his fortune with another boy or girl.”

To help Lucas reach his goal of $50,000 to provide a service dog for a child with autism, visit his GoFundMe site at www.gofundme.com/aarudzmk.

For more information about Rock Brook School, go to www.rock-brook.org.